bile acid

noun

plural bile acids

: any of several steroid acids (such as cholic acid) that occur in bile especially in the form of bile salts, are produced chiefly in the liver from cholesterol, and aid in the intestinal breakdown and absorption of fat

Approximately 500 mg of cholesterol is converted into bile acids each day in the adult human liver.

—David W. Russell

Examples of bile acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The fiber molecules interact with bile acids and dietary cholesterol, causing them to be excreted more easily and lower blood cholesterol levels. —Julie Pollock, The Conversation, 1 May 2026

Tons of commenters chimed in on the video, urging Abbie to go get checked for the temporary liver condition, which often occurs in the third trimester, and can slow bile flow, cause severe itching and elevated bile acids. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

By contrast, tubes coated with structurally similar steroids, bile acids, or bitter-tasting molecules failed to elicit the same response. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026

Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, while soluble fiber helps absorb substances like excess cholesterol and bile acids. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1881, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bile acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

bile acid

noun

: any of several steroid acids (such as cholic acid) that occur in bile especially in the form of bile salts, are produced chiefly in the liver from cholesterol, and aid in the intestinal breakdown and absorption of fat

In the intestine, bile acids are essential for the absorption, transport, and metabolism of dietary fats and lipid-soluble vitamins.

—Li Tiangang and John Y. L. Chiang, Pharmacological Reviews